You recognize that sensation when you’re 99% sure something’s a terrific concept, just to understand later … it was a complete dumpster fire? That’s precisely what took place when I made a decision to change my whole agency over to GoHighLevel.
It looked shiny. It sounded revolutionary. However in truth? It developed into among one of the most excruciating software choices I’ve made in over a years of running my organization.
So before you jump on the GoHighLevel bandwagon, let me stroll you via precisely what dropped– due to the fact that if you’re anything like me, you’re always trying to find smarter, a lot more reliable ways to expand your service. Just … not like this.
The Sexy All-in-One Guarantee
Right here’s the important things. When GoHighLevel struck the scene, it sounded like a dream come true. A solitary platform to manage your CRM, sales funnels, email campaigns, consultation reservations, automation, payments– you call it.
If you’ve ever before juggled a Frankenstein stack of devices just to run your day-to-day, you know exactly how tempting the “all-in-one” pitch can be. I would certainly been utilizing Keap for years (and enjoying it, honestly), yet still– I obtained drawn in by the promise of streamlining everything under one roofing.
And yeah, I’ll admit it: I had a bad situation of shiny item disorder.
Why I Left Keap (A Tool That In Fact Worked)
Let me be real with you: Keap wasn’t broken. It did every little thing I required. It handled my email automations, sales funnels, visit organizing, invoicing– you call it. Certain, the interface felt a little outdated in position, and occasionally things took a few more clicks than I liked, however hey, it functioned.
So why modification?
Truthfully, I just began wondering if I was missing out. GoHighLevel was more affordable (externally), used more features, and all the trendy marketers on-line appeared to be going crazy regarding it. FOMO is a hell of a medication.
That inquisitiveness cost me greater than simply money– it cost me time, energy, and comfort.
What It Cost Me to Switch over
I went all in. Enrolled in the $297/month agency plan. Invest a solid 30 to 40 hours migrating information, reconstructing workflows, and essentially trying to duplicate my whole Keap configuration inside GoHighLevel.
Here’s what I needed to relocate:
- 20,000+ e-mail customers
- Loads of automations
- All client accounts and notes
- Stripe billing integration
- Entire funnel framework
- Custom types, landing pages, triggers … everything
Allow’s not even discuss the lost productivity throughout those few weeks. I was up to my eyeballs in Zapier workarounds, watching tutorials, and trying to figure out where the heck standard settings were.
And just when I assumed things were functioning … they weren’t.
The Bugs Began Sneaking In
Initially, everything looked all right. Yet after that, out of no place, people on my checklist began obtaining e-mails they weren’t meant to receive. I’m talking entirely pointless messages– sent in sets of 171 customers at a time. Three days in a row.
Total chaos.
I reconstruct the automations from the ground up. Still occurred. I got in touch with support. They condemned “web server problems.” However absolutely nothing made sense, and the trouble really did not go away. Visualize awakening every early morning wondering who your system may’ve spammed overnight.
That’s not just annoying– it’s dangerous. When your entire brand name is built on count on, you can not afford to appear like a clueless amateur blasting the incorrect emails to the incorrect people.
Assistance? Yeah, Good Luck
Currently, I don’t expect excellence from any kind of system. Bugs happen. However when they do? I expect the assistance team to step up quick.
That didn’t occur below.
Reactions were vague. Tickets went unanswered. I felt like I was screaming right into deep space while my business melted. At the same time, every min I invested repairing was a min I had not been offering customers or expanding my firm.
For a device that markets itself to major entrepreneurs, GoHighLevel certain really did not treat me like one.
The Interface Was a Hot Mess
You ever before utilize a device and just really feel … lost? That was me inside Is GoHighLevel PCI Compliant.
The UX was clunky. Things were hidden in unusual locations. Also easy jobs like modifying a funnel or tweaking an email flow turned into a scavenger hunt.
And their funnel builder? Do not even get me began. Intend to alter item setups, page designs, and total circulation? Awesome– you’ll need to hunt via 3 various locations that make absolutely no sensible feeling. Half the moment, I could not also keep in mind where I ‘d clicked something 10 seconds previously.
It felt like making use of software program developed by designers, for engineers– not everyday local business owner.
The “Budget friendly” Plan That Got Actual Pricey, Real Quick
Let’s talk money.
One of GoHighLevel’s big marketing factors is the cost. I indicate, $97/month for all those features? Sounds impressive, right?
But right here’s what they don’t tell you:.
You pay added per e-mail if you utilize their SMTP.
You need to connect services like Mailgun or Twilio and manage their payment individually.
You’ll obtain arbitrary microcharges that aren’t discussed plainly.
Desire far better e-mail deliverability? That’s gon na cost you too.
By the time I included everything up, I was paying more than I had been with Keap. And getting worse results.
That’s not a bargain– it’s simply negative mathematics.
My Email Metrics Tanked Is GoHighLevel PCI Compliant
The last straw? Watching my email open rates go down like a rock.
I would certainly been getting a solid 35% open rate with Keap. My audience was engaged, my automations were called in, and things simply functioned.
After switching over to GoHighLevel? Opens went down listed below 15%. Clicks were almost missing. Something was clearly off.
Perhaps it was a deliverability concern. Perhaps the system was just sending out at hard times or otherwise individualizing messages appropriately. Whatever the cause, I had not been staying to play investigative while my list rotted.
Lessons I Discovered by hand
If you’re thinking about switching to GoHighLevel– or any new system– right here’s what I desire someone had actually informed me before I made the jump:.
1. Don’t Chase the Shiny Toy
It’s simple to get hyped about the current “advanced” device. Yet even if everyone’s speaking about something does not indicate it’s right for you. If your current system is functioning, reconsider prior to blowing it up.
2. Worth Simplicity Over Features
More isn’t constantly much better. A system with a tidy, instinctive interface will certainly conserve you time and migraines in the future– even if it does not have every feature imaginable.
3. Demand Transparency
Surprise prices are the most awful. Select devices that are ahead of time concerning pricing, integrations, and limitations. You shouldn’t require a calculator and a synonym replacement tool to comprehend your month-to-month expense.
4. Listen to Real Customers (Not Simply Marketing Experts)
Inspect unbiased reviews, user forums, and Reddit strings. Take note of actual user experience– not just glossy sales web pages.
Still Want an All-in-One CRM? Right Here Are Much better Options
If you’re still on the hunt for a trusted, user-friendly system to run your organization, I have actually tested a number. Below are a few I ‘d in fact recommend:.
Keap— My existing go-to. Effective automations, solid assistance, and it just functions. Worth every cent.
HubSpot— Great for organizations that require scalability and progressed CRM features.
GreenRope— A solid all-in-one remedy for small to mid-sized organizations with strong coverage devices.
Monday.com— Fantastic for project monitoring, group partnership, and sales pipeline monitoring.
Bonsai— Specifically wonderful for freelancers and service-based solopreneurs.
Conclusion
GoHighLevel might help some. But also for me? It was a frustrating, expensive experiment that I could not wait to end.
So if you’re standing at the edge, asking yourself whether to make the jump– think hard. Ask on your own what’s truly not operating in your current configuration. Do not burn your systems down just because something more recent and shinier showed up.
Stick to what works. Your peace of mind (and your clients) will thanks.